Quebec wins in Rouyn-Noranda

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. — Playing their second of three games on the road, already winning in Shawinigan Sunday, Quebec came to Rouyn-Noranda trying to keep their winning streak on the road alive. Scoring twice in the first and third periods and once in second, Quebec never looked back and came out of Rouyn-Noranda with a 5-1 win registering their seventh consecutive wins on the road. Olivier Garneau with a goal and assist, Matthew Groutchy 1 goal 1 assist and Christian Huntley also ended with a goal and an assist led Quebec offense.

Quebec opened the scoring in Rouyn-Noranda with only 1:14 gone in first period. Making first save on Pascal Laberge backhanded shot, Huskies goaltender Zachary Emond couldn’t do anything on Pierrick Dube who only had to put the puck in for his third of the year.

Both teams used their speed in an action first period where goaltenders made great saves. A hit to the head by Rouyn-Noranda forward Mathieu Boucher on Quebec left winger Mathieu Olivier gave a five minutes penalty to visitor. Huskies lose their left winger for the game as Boucher has been ejected for the hit to the head.

Found guilty of cross checking Huskies forward Alexis Arseneault gave Quebec the opportunity of a full five-on-three power play. Ranked 11th overall at 18.9 percent scoring 59 goals in 313 opportunities, Quebec was unable to take advantage of the two men advantage but scored on subsequent five-on-four with 47 seconds left to Arseneault penalty.

Olivier Garneau scored Quebec second goal completing great work by defenseman Sam Dunn and Pascal Laberge with 37.3 remaining in the opening period.

Dominating 12-8 in shots on goal in first period but trailing on main scoreboard 0-2, Rouyn-Noranda put lots of pressure in offensive zone trying to break the ice and cutting Quebec leads, but Quebec netminder Antoine Samuel was perfect in first portion of the second period.

Quebec adds a third goals to their lead as Louis-Filip Cote hit on Huskies winger Tyler Hinam created the turnover that led to Remparts third goal. Driven to Emond’s net Jeremy Laframboise redirect a shot from Olivier Garneau scoring his fourth of the regular season at 11:50.

Peter Abbandonato get Rouyn-Noranda on the board with his 22nd of the season beating Quebec goaltender Antoine Samuel over his left shoulder with 7:38 to play in the middle frame.

Rouyn-Noranda got their first chance with a man up with 2:18 remaining in middle frame but Quebec successfully killed Huskies power play. Quebec got their fifth chances on power play with 7.3 second remaining in second periods going 1-in-4.

Quebec added two more goals to their lead in third period both goals came with the help of the power play. Matthew Groutchy surprised Huskies netminder on his left side scoring his 16th of the year, his fifth in 26 games in Quebec uniform with only 1:09 gone in the third period.

Quebec defenseman Christian Huntley scored Quebec fifth goals in the game as his wrist shot beat Rouyn-Noranda goalie over Emond left shoulder at 17:58.

Quebec will return in action on Friday night visiting Val-d’Or Foreurs.

No other game was on QMJHL schedule on Thursday night.

Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com